HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-09 ACE MINUTES•
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ALLIANCE FOR COMMERCE IN ENGLEWOOD
February 9, 2012
Minutes and audio are available at:
http://www .englewoodgov.org/index .aspx?page= 1103
I. CALL TO ORDER
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The regular meeting of the Alliance for Commerce in Englewood (ACE) was called to order
at 11 :47 a.m. in the City Council Conference Room of the Englewood Civic Center, Chair
Sarconi presiding.
Present:
Absent:
Schalk (enter e d 11 :55), Sarconi , Calonder, Knoth, Weinberger
Whyte (alternate)
Vasilas, Champion, Miller
Also present: Joe Jefferson, City Council Liaison
Colleen Mello, Englewood Chamber of Commerce
Staff present: Alan White, Community Development Director
Darren Hollingsworth, Economic Development Coordinator
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 12, 2012
Due to lack of a quorum the minutes were not able to be approved at this time.
Mr. Schalk entered the meeting at 11 :SS; there was now a quorum.
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Chair Sarconi stated that the Minutes of January 12, 2012 were to be considered for
approval. It was determined there was a quorum. Chair Sarconi asked if there were any
changes or adjustments to the Minutes . There were none.
Weinberger moved:
Schalk seconded : THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 12, 2012 BE APPROVED AS WRITIEN .
The motion carried unanimously.
II. ACE BUSINESS
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HOUSING -DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT SCRAPE OFFS AND NEW
INVESTMENT
The members reviewed what transpired at the last meeting regarding the S.W.O.T. Analysis
and where the discussion goes from here. Mr. Weinberger asked if the charts from previous
meetings could be brought to the next meeting to assist in the discussion.
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Discussion was stopped after Mr. Schalk entered in order to approve the minutes .
Discussion resumed after the minutes were approved.
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Mr. Jefferson updated the members on City Council's goal setting discussions. Various
housing programs the City offers were discussed and how they are funded as well as the
need for multi-tenant housing and higher density.
Schalk moved:
Calonder seconded: TO ENCOURAGE NEW RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
BUSINESS , IF A PROPERTY IS SCRAPED , ALL BUILDING FEES FOR
ALL FUTURE PERMITS TO REBUILD THAT PROPERTY BE WAIVED
FOR PROJECTS OVER $200,000.
The motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Schalk asked what the cost of staffing is to access the federal money for housing. Is
there good value to the City's staff cost? Director White stated for the Energy Efficient
Englewood program the funds are limited and the grants go quickly so it is not hugely labor
intensive. The rehab program depends on the mar k et and whether residents feel they are in
a position to secure a loan for a project.
Mr. Schalk said the City works at trying to get small amounts of money for low income
housing people; how does that really change our situation . He said he is not interested in
that personally. Mr. Weinberger said he is very curious on a personal level as well as a
member of ACE to learn more about what is being offered now. Mr. Calonder said fixing up
and selling 9 homes through the NSP program is not what ACE is trying to get to. How do
we make the community stronger and more vibrant as a whole?
Allowing department heads more leverage to make decisions without going through the
red tape was discussed . Mr. Jefferson said if ACE wants to make a recommendation along
those lines very specific information needs to be provided in order for it to be effective.
Director White said residents ask about the possibility of having accessory dwelling units in
residential areas , which are currently not allowed. Is that a good idea?
DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO FILL VACANT SPACES
Topic was not discussed .
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2012
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Weinberger moved:
Calonder seconded: ELECTION OF OFFICERS BE TABLED UNTIL THE MARCH MEETING .
The motion carried unanimously .
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Ill. PUBLIC COMMENT
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There was no public present.
IV. COMMENTS
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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ms. Mello stated a Women in Business seminar was held today. Next month's meeting will
be held at Cafe 180. The annual Chamber Gala will be on March 20 1h. A Shop Englewood
program is in the planning stage .
BID COMMENTS
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Mr. Schalk commented on BID activity.
STAFF COMMENTS
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Mr. Hollingsworth had no further comments .
Director White noted Staff is working on a rewrite of the Sign Code. Staff will hold a Study
Session with City Council in April and stakeholder input will be sought from businesses,
ACE and residents . The Sign Code Amendments are a priority and completion is set for
later this year . Mr. Schalk stated he believes the Sign Code should be left as is .
Ms . Mello stated Englewood Public Schools will hold a public meeting tonight to discuss
the new school.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
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Mr. Jefferson stated City Council goal setting is moving along. He also provided an update
on the Martin Plastics project.
ACE COMMENTS
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Chair Sarconi noted the Recording Secretary distributed a list of 2012 meeting dates.
The topics for discussion at the March meeting were discussed .
V. UPCOMING ACE BUSINESS
a. The next meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2012 .
No further business was brought forth for consideration. The meeting was adjourned at
1 :05 p.m.
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Barbara Krecklo ~e~ording Secretary
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